Cafe and Shop Swimming Baths

AssociatedAssociated with Dr Alexander Taylor Mackay (Scotland, 1928 - 2000)

AssociatedAssociated with Robert Stuart Stephen Mackay (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1897 - 1941)

AssociatedAssociated with Beach Baths (Aberdeen Scotland, 1898 - 1972)

Date1930s

Object NamePhotograph

MediumPaper

ClassificationsCivic

Dimensions13.8cm wide x 8.8cm high

AcquisitionPresented in 2002 by Mrs Mackay.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS060857

Keywords

About MeThis Corporation Swimming Pool, with sea water bathing, was once a prominent landmark at the Queen's Links. Built of brick in 1895 it stood in stark contrast to the generally prevailing granite of the city. With the opening of the bathing station the beach began to attract ever more visitors. Open-air entertainment by Aberdeen Pierrots was staged from 1902 on a space adjacent to the bathing station and in 1905 the Beach Pavilion, an insubstantial wooden structure, was opened. This was replaced by a more solid building in 1928 and became associated with music hall entertainer Harry Gordon, The Laird of Inversnecky. In 1933 the Beach Baths were upgraded but six years later its major rival the "Up Town" or Bon Accord Baths was built. This more modern facility coupled with a long-term decline in the numbers visiting the Beach area led to the demolition of the Baths in 1973.